Who We Are 

Jeffrey Davidson, Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor

Photo of Jeffrey DavidsonJeffrey Davidson brings extensive work experience related to corporate social responsibility across private and not-for-profit sectors, countries and cultures to his appointment as Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor. He has been involved with mining and mineral resource development for the past 35 years as a project engineer, policy and program advisor, community worker and teacher. He has been a long-time and early advocate and practitioner in the areas of socially responsible mining operations and constructive company-community engagement. Read more



Fanie V.Thibeault, Policy Analyst

Photo of Fanie V.ThibeaultFanie V.Thibeault joined the Office of the CSR Counsellor in August 2015 as policy analyst. Prior to joining the Office, she held a variety of supporting and coordinating roles with different organizations – all related to promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), strategic partnerships, good mining practices and sustainable development. She previously worked in the CSR Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, at the Embassy of Canada in Ecuador, for the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers and with Partnership Africa Canada. She has been involved in various non-profit, academic and private sector activities in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fanie graduated with a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs and a degree in International Development from the University of Ottawa. She also holds a certificate in Mining Law, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environment from the Wiener University of Peru. She is fluent in French, English and Spanish.

 March 1st, 2015 - News Release - Appointment of Canada’s Extractive Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Counsellor

Responsibilities of the CSR Counsellor and staff of the Office

The Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor is appointed in an Order-in-Council by the Government of Canada. The CSR Counsellor is a Special Advisor to the Minister of International Trade.

Governor-in-Council appointees are required to perform their duties in the public interest. Their personal and professional conduct must be beyond reproach. Consequently, the government has established clear conflict of interest and post-employment rules for public office holders, in the Conflict of Interest Act, which explain the steps to be taken to avoid real or apparent conflicts between their private interests and public responsibilities. 

The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner is responsible for ensuring compliance with this Act. Appointees discuss their circumstances in confidence with officials in the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.

Governor-in-Council appointees are also subject to the Ethical Guidelines for Public Office Holders and the Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders.

The CSR Counsellor is also a Designated Public Office Holder (DPOH). Such public office holders have certain responsibilities under the Lobbying Act. Upon assuming a Governor in Council position, the appointee must ensure that all obligations under the Lobbying Act and its regulations are met. The Commissioner of Lobbying is responsible for ensuring compliance with this Act. Appointees may discuss their circumstances in confidence with officials in the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying.

All staff are public servants of the Government of Canada and are subject to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service.